X Report 4 Mar 2025
SpaceX faces a series of challenges with scrubbing the Starship Flight 8 launch and losing a Falcon 9 booster post-landing, while successfully deploying new Starlink satellites.
STARLINK-2687 (48466)
COSPAR: 2021-040AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 2687
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48466
International Designator
2021-040AQ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:12:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
8.95°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
85.97°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2687
Alternative Name
Starlink 2687
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48466U 21040AQ 26185.21707707 .00000410 00000-0 24970-4 0 9999
2 48466 53.1582 8.9534 0000736 85.9707 274.1379 15.31700911284369
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2687 satellite, also known as Starlink 2687, was launched on May 9, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With an object ID of 2021-040AQ and NORAD catalog number 48466, it is owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Measuring approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spanning up to 9 meters when fully extended, the satellite has a launch mass of 260 kg and a dry mass of 248 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The primary mission of this communication satellite is to provide internet services as part of the Starlink constellation.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
248
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V1.0-L27-39
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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